JP2009060619A - Communication apparatus, method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication apparatus comprising a GPS function and a communication method for improving convenience of a portable phone employing the GPS function. <P>SOLUTION: A communication apparatus comprises: a map information storage means for storing map information; a location information acquiring means for acquiring location information; a map information inspecting means for determining whether or not map information corresponding to acquired location information is included in the map information; and a map information acquiring means for acquiring the map information corresponding to the acquired location information on the basis of the determination. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention is a mobile terminal device, a communication device, a mobile phone, a mobile electronic device, etc. having a function of acquiring position information, and searches for information (data) related to the acquired information based on the acquired predetermined information The present invention relates to a communication device and a communication method having a GPS function.

  GPS (Global Positioning System) is generally a system that receives radio waves from a plurality of artificial satellites, and calculates position information on the earth such as latitude and longitude of oneself from a difference in arrival time.

  However, the background art described above has the following problems.

  Mobile phones equipped with a GPS function have been developed, and there is a system that uses the GPS function to acquire the position information of the mobile phone and display the position on a map, but there are still places where it is not convenient. For example, the processing capability of a CPU used in a mobile phone is limited, and is insufficient to calculate position information based on radio waves received from GPS satellites. In order to make up for this lack of capability, the cellular phone entrusts the location information calculation to the center device connected via the network and receives the result. For this reason, there is a problem that it takes a long time to obtain the position information.

  Further, since the storage capacity of the storage device built in the mobile phone is limited, the mobile phone downloads the map data to be displayed from the server device via the network. Since the map data has a large capacity, there is a problem that it takes time to display the map data or a communication fee is high.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a communication device and a communication method having a GPS function that can further enhance the convenience of a mobile phone using the GPS function.

  In other words, according to the present invention, it takes a lot of time and fee to download a large amount of data from the network, and in electronic devices, the memory capacity that can be installed is naturally limited, so all data is stored in the memory. Therefore, at least one of the problems that the desired data cannot be used is solved.

  In order to solve the above problems, a communication device according to the present invention includes a map information storage unit that stores map information, a position information acquisition unit that acquires position information, and map information corresponding to the acquired position information. One feature is that it comprises map information inspecting means for determining whether or not it is included, and map information acquiring means for acquiring map information corresponding to the acquired position information based on the determination.

  Further, the communication method of the present invention includes a position information acquisition step for acquiring position information, and a map for determining whether map information corresponding to the acquired position information is included in a map information storage means for storing map information. One of the characteristics includes an information inspection step and a map information acquisition step of acquiring map information corresponding to the acquired position information based on the determination.

  According to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to realize a communication device and a communication method having a GPS function that can further enhance the convenience of a mobile phone using the GPS function.

Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described based on the following embodiments with reference to the drawings.
In all the drawings for explaining the embodiments, the same reference numerals are used for those having the same function, and repeated explanation is omitted.

  A communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured by a mobile phone, for example.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a mobile phone with a TV receiver according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  A cellular phone 100 according to the present embodiment includes a CPU 102, a ROM 104, a RAM 106, an operation input / display unit 108, a call unit 110, a wireless communication unit 118, a photographing unit 120, an image processing circuit 122, and an image. Display means 124, TV reception means 126, frame memory 128, external I / F means 130, memory card I / F means 132, GPS means 134, IC tag means 136, and wireless I / F means 138 And IC tag reader / writer means 140.

  The call unit 110 includes a call circuit 116, a microphone unit 114 and a speaker unit 112 connected to the call circuit 116. The image processing circuit 122 is connected to the image display means 124, the photographing means 120, the TV receiving means 126, and the frame memory 128. CPU 102, ROM 104, RAM 106, operation input / display unit 108, call circuit 116, wireless communication means 118, image processing circuit 122, TV reception means 126, external I / F means 130, The memory card I / F unit 132, the GPS unit 134, the IC tag unit 136, the wireless I / F unit 138, and the IC tag reader / writer unit 140 are connected to each other via, for example, a bus and can transmit and receive data. is there.

  A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 102 controls the entire apparatus, and its execution program is stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 104. The CPU 102 reads the execution program from the ROM 104, sequentially interprets instructions included in the execution program, and controls the entire apparatus.

  A RAM (Random Access Memory) (memory means) 106 is provided with a work area necessary for the CPU 102 to control the entire apparatus, as well as storage parameters and various parameters and management information necessary for control. Etc. are memorized.

  The operation input / display unit 108 includes a display for displaying various operation keys and operation guidance, and is operated by an operator.

  The call unit 110 includes a speaker unit 112 that outputs sound, a microphone unit 114 that inputs sound, and a call circuit 116. The call circuit 116 sends out an audio signal input from the microphone unit 114 or the like to the wireless communication unit 118 described later, and outputs the audio signal input from the wireless communication unit 118 to the speaker unit 112 or the like. In addition, the call circuit 116 generally includes a circuit that adjusts the volume by amplifying or attenuating the audio signal, or improving the sound quality by changing the frequency characteristics of the audio signal. It is. In addition, so-called side sound control for controlling the sound wraparound from the microphone unit 114 to the speaker unit 112 is generally performed in this portion.

  The wireless communication unit 118 transmits and receives voice signals and data signals to and from the communication network side. In the case of a mobile phone, communication is performed with a base station using radio, but it may be communicated with a switching center by wire.

  The photographing means (camera means) 120 converts the photographing object into image data. Specifically, a CCD or the like that is an image sensor is used. The CCD receives the optical signal from the object to be photographed, converts it into an analog electrical signal, and outputs it.

  The image processing circuit 122 receives an analog electrical signal output from the CCD and A / D converts it to obtain a digital image signal. Further, image processing (density conversion, filtering, optimization processing, enlargement / reduction, compression / decompression, etc.) is performed on the digital image signal. Image processed image data is stored in a RAM (memory means) 106.

  The image display unit 124 displays the image data processed by the image processing circuit 122 on the image display unit 124 such as a liquid crystal screen (plasma display, CRT, etc.).

  The TV receiving means 126 includes a TV antenna, a detection unit, and a tuner unit, receives TV broadcast radio waves, and outputs a TV image signal. The TV image signal is input to the image processing circuit 122, subjected to predetermined image processing, and then stored in a frame memory (image memory) 128. The image data stored in the frame memory 128 is output to the image display means 124. , TV image is displayed. The image data stored in the frame memory 128 can be handled in the same manner as the image information acquired by the photographing unit 120 by storing the image data in a storage medium. Moreover, you may make it provide the TV image recording means which accumulate | stores the received TV image in a memory means.

  The external I / F unit 130 is connected to an external device such as a PC by using a wire such as a cable, and transmits and receives data and the like. More specifically, there are general-purpose I / Fs such as I / F dedicated to mobile phones and USB.

  The memory card I / F unit 132 is connected to a device equipped with a storage medium such as an IC card, a memory card, a memory unit, etc., and transmits and receives data.

  The GPS (Global Positioning System) means 134 generally receives radio waves from an artificial satellite, detects a difference in arrival time thereof, and finally position information on the earth such as latitude and longitude where the mobile phone is located. Is calculated.

  The IC tag means 136 transmits / receives data to / from the reader / writer device wirelessly. The IC tag means 136 includes a wireless communication means including an antenna coil, a resonance capacitor, a modulation / demodulation circuit, and a rectifying / smoothing circuit for transmitting and receiving radio signals, and a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The IC tag means 136 receives a high-frequency power radio wave signal transmitted from the reader / writer device with an antenna and a resonance capacitor, rectifies and smoothes it with a rectifying and smoothing circuit, and creates a power supply for operation with a constant voltage to generate an IC tag. Supply inside.

  Further, the signal transmitted from the reader / writer device is superimposed on the power radio signal, and the received signal is demodulated by the modem circuit. The CPU operates by a program stored in the ROM, and controls the operation of the entire IC tag while forming a work area necessary for the operation on the RAM. There are two types of IC tags: read-only ones that cannot be changed once information has been written, others that can be rewritten later, and ones that can only be added (appendable type). Further, an IC tag reader / writer means 140 described later may be incorporated.

  The wireless I / F unit 138 transmits and receives data using wireless. The wireless I / F unit 138 transmits and receives data using wireless USB, Bluetooth, infrared communication, wireless LAN communication, and the like. Using this wireless I / F means 138 (including the above-mentioned external I / F means 130), for example, map data, music data (music data), and other large-capacity data stored in a PC (personal computer), etc. Can be stored by transferring the data to the storage means of the communication apparatus (communication apparatus) 100, for example, the memory means 106.

  The IC tag reader / writer unit 140 transmits and receives data to and from the IC tag unit 136 wirelessly. The IC tag reader / writer means 140 transmits a high-frequency power radio signal.

  Needless to say, the communication device 100 does not have to have all of the above-described configurations, and may have at least the configuration necessary for one embodiment of the invention.

  Next, another communication apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an all-IP (Internet protocol) mobile phone.

  Another mobile phone 100 according to this embodiment includes a CPU 102, a ROM 104, a RAM (memory means) 106, an operation input / display unit 108, a speaker unit 112, a microphone unit 114, a call circuit 116, a GPS Means 134, base station wireless I / F means 142, LAN wireless I / F means 144, and IP means 146. The IP unit 146 is connected to the base station wireless I / F unit 142, the LAN wireless I / F unit 144, and the call circuit 116. The call circuit 116 is connected to the microphone unit 114 and the speaker unit 112. The CPU 102, the ROM 104, the RAM 106, the operation input / display unit 108, the IP unit 146, and the GPS unit 134 are connected to each other via, for example, a bus and can transmit and receive data.

  The base station wireless I / F unit 142 is an I / F that performs wireless communication between the mobile phone and the base station.

  The LAN wireless I / F means 144 is an I / F that performs wireless communication between the mobile phone and the LAN wireless base station.

  Until now, a dedicated protocol has been used as the base station wireless I / F means. However, there are an increasing number of cases where the Internet network or IP network is used between the base station side and the communication counterpart device. Furthermore, since IP is originally used for the LAN protocol, the base station wireless I / F means is also converted to IP, so that cost reduction can be expected due to common use of components. In this embodiment, therefore, IP is used for the base station wireless I / F means and the LAN wireless I / F means.

  There are two types of IP means 146: VoIP means used for voice and data IP means used for data communication.

  The VoIP means converts an analog voice signal sent from the call circuit into digital data, and further encodes and compresses it if necessary. Next, the audio signal data is embedded in the IP packet for transmission, and sequentially sent to the base station wireless I / F unit 142 or the LAN wireless I / F unit 144. Also, the audio signal data is extracted from the receiving IP packet input from the base station wireless I / F unit 142 or the LAN wireless I / F unit 144, and is decoded and decompressed if necessary, and the digital audio signal data is further extracted. It is converted into an analog voice signal and sent to the call circuit.

  In the case of the data IP means, instead of the call circuit of the VoIP means, for example, input / output with the memory means 106 may be performed, or a dedicated data processing means may be provided.

  The IP unit 146 also assembles control IP packets for performing call control and sequentially sends them out to the base station wireless I / F unit 142 or the LAN wireless I / F unit 144. Further, the control IP packet received from the base station wireless I / F unit 142 or the LAN wireless I / F unit 144 is disassembled for analysis. Such sending and receiving of the control IP packet may be configured by another means independent of the IP means 146. The operation control of the IP unit 146 may be performed by the CPU 102 or a dedicated LSI may be used.

  FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of the IP telephone.

  The IP telephone according to the present embodiment includes a CPU 102, a ROM 104, a RAM (memory means) 106, an operation input / display unit 108, a speaker unit 112, a microphone unit 114, a call circuit 116, and a GPS unit 134. IC tag means 136, line connection I / F means 148, and IP means 146. The call circuit 116 is connected to the microphone unit 114 and the speaker unit 112. The CPU 102, ROM 104, RAM 106, operation input / display unit 108, IP unit 146, communication circuit 116, GPS unit 134, IC tag unit 136, and line connection I / F unit 148 are mutually connected, for example. It is connected via a bus and can send and receive data.

  The line connection IF unit 148 is an I / F that performs communication between the IP telephone and the base station by a line switching method.

  Next, the operation of the communication apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described.

  In the present embodiment, as an example, a case will be described in which the communication device (or communication terminal device) is configured by a mobile phone, and the terminal information is the phone number of the mobile phone.

  4 and 5 show an embodiment of a communication protocol used in the mobile phone 100. FIG.

  First, the outgoing connection and disconnection sequence will be described with reference to FIG.

  The mobile phone on the calling side (calling side) transmits a call setting signal (SETUP) and a calling radio state report signal to the base station after the off-hook and dialing (step S402). When receiving the call setup signal (SETUP), the base station transmits a call setup acceptance signal (CALL PROC) as a response (step S404).

  Next, the base station performs authentication based on the authentication procedure (step S406), and then transmits a radio channel designation signal (step S408).

  The mobile phone on the calling side captures the designated channel and sets up the wireless line.

  Next, the base station transmits a call signal (ALERT) (step S410).

  The mobile phone on the calling side receives a call signal (ALERT) from the base station and sends a ring tone (RBT) to the handset.

  When there is a response from the incoming side mobile phone, the base station transmits a response signal (CONN) to the outgoing side mobile phone (step S412). From this point on, billing is started and a call is started (step S414).

  Next, a disconnection signal (DISC) is transmitted from the originating mobile phone to the base station (step S416).

  When the base station receives the disconnection signal (DISC), the base station transmits a release signal (REL) to the mobile phone on the transmission side (step S418), and charging ends here.

  Next, the originating mobile phone transmits a release completion signal (REL COMP) to the base station (step S420).

  When receiving the release completion signal (REL COMP), the base station transmits a radio channel disconnection signal (step S422). The mobile phone on the transmission side receives a radio channel disconnection signal from the base station.

  Finally, the mobile phone on the transmission side releases the wireless channel used for communication, disconnects the wireless line, and transmits a wireless channel disconnection confirmation signal (step S424).

  Next, the incoming connection and disconnection sequence will be described with reference to FIG.

  The base station transmits a calling signal to the mobile phone (step S502).

  When receiving the call signal from the base station, the mobile phone on the receiving side (calling side) transmits an incoming radio state report signal and automatically transmits a response signal to the base station (step S504).

  Next, the base station performs authentication by an authentication procedure (step S506), and then transmits a radio channel designation signal to the mobile phone on the called side to set a radio line (step S508).

  After the wireless line is set up, a call setup signal (SETUP) is transmitted from the base station to the mobile phone on the receiving side (step S510).

  Next, the mobile phone on the receiving side generates a ring tone (RGT), and then transmits a call signal (ALERT) to the base station (step S512).

  Next, a response signal (CONN) is transmitted to the base station by the off-hook of the incoming side mobile phone (step S514). When receiving the response signal (CONN), the base station transmits a response confirmation (CONN ACK) (step S516). As a result, communication (call) is started (step 518) and charging starts.

  The disconnection sequence is almost the same as the disconnection from the transmission side described above.

  A disconnection signal (DISC) is transmitted from the incoming side mobile phone to the base station (step S520).

  The base station transmits a release signal (REL) to the mobile phone on the receiving side (step S522), and the charging ends here.

  Next, the receiving mobile phone transmits a release completion signal (REL COMP) to the base station (step S524).

  The base station transmits a radio channel disconnection signal (step S526). The called mobile phone receives the radio channel disconnection signal from the base station.

  Finally, the mobile phone on the receiving side releases the wireless channel used for communication, disconnects the wireless line, and transmits a wireless channel disconnection confirmation signal (step S528).

  Next, a data communication protocol of the communication apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described.

  First, a Pull type sequence used when the terminal side, that is, the communication apparatus acquires data from server means, for example, a base station, will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the terminal side transmits a communication registration request signal to the base station (step S602).

  The base station side transmits a communication authentication request signal to the terminal side in order to request authentication (step S604).

  The terminal side transmits a communication authentication response signal to the base station (step S606). If the authentication is established, the base station side transmits a communication registration response signal to the terminal side (step S608).

  The terminal side transmits a virtual line connection request signal to the base station side in order to request line connection (step S610), and the base station transmits a virtual line connection response signal to the terminal side, so that the communication line is Virtually secured (step S612).

  Next, the terminal side transmits a Get signal requesting data to the base station side using the HTTP protocol (step S614).

  The base station side transmits an Ack signal as a response signal to the terminal side (step S616).

  The base station transmits a response signal including the requested data to the terminal side using the HTTP protocol (step S618).

  The terminal side transmits an Ack signal as a response signal of the Response signal to the base station side (step S620).

  Thereafter, data acquisition is performed as much as necessary.

  Next, a Push type sequence in which incoming notification is sent from the base station side to the mobile phone and information is transmitted (such as mail reception) will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the base station transmits a communication call signal to the terminal side, that is, the mobile terminal 100 (step S702).

  Next, the terminal side sends a communication registration request signal to the base station (step S704).

  The base station side transmits a communication authentication request signal to the terminal side in order to request authentication (step S706).

  The terminal side transmits a communication authentication response signal to the base station (step S708), and if the authentication is established, the base station side transmits a communication registration response signal to the terminal side (step S710).

  Next, the base station transmits a virtual line connection request signal to the terminal side in order to request a line connection (step S712), and the terminal side transmits a virtual line connection response signal to the base station side. A communication line is virtually secured (step S714).

  The base station transmits an incoming call notification signal to the terminal side (step S716).

  The terminal side transmits an Ack signal to the base station side as a response to the incoming call notification signal (step S718).

  Next, in order to request data, the terminal side transmits a Get signal to the base station side using the HTTP protocol (step S720).

  The base station side transmits an Ack signal to the terminal side as a response signal to the Get signal (step S722). The base station transmits a response signal including the requested data to the terminal side using the HTTP protocol.

  The terminal side transmits an Ack signal as a response signal of the Response signal to the base station side (step S726). Data is acquired as much as necessary.

  In addition, in the protocol described above, the terminal identification information (telephone number, terminal number, ID number, machine number, mobile number, mail address, URL, URI, etc.) and service identification information (phone number, Email address, URL, phone call, e-mail, internet access, data download, etc.).

  Furthermore, a plurality of terminal identification information and service identification information of the communication device or the partner device may be provided for each, and these may be selected and used. By doing so, it is possible to enjoy various services such as using a specific service with specific terminal identification information and charging for the selected terminal identification information. In this case, for example, terminal identification information and service identification information of the communication device or the partner device are stored in the storage unit of the communication device.

  Next, a communication sequence in the communication apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the present embodiment, a SIP communication model protocol, which is one of standard call control protocols, will be described as an example.

  First, the calling side, that is, the mobile phone on the calling side (outgoing side) sends a request message called INVITE (step S802). INVITE is a session activation signal, and an attribute of the session that can be received by the calling party is indicated by SDP. Specifically, the reception condition (codec, port number, etc.) on the calling side and the transmission condition are presented.

  The mobile phone on the called side, that is, the called side (incoming side) receives the INVITE and transmits 180 RINGING to the calling side to notify that it has entered the ringing state (step S804). The receiving condition (codec, port number, etc.) and transmission condition on the called side may be presented by 180 RINGING, but is usually presented by the next 200 OK (step S806).

  Next, 200 OK is transmitted to the calling side in order to notify that the called side is ready to talk (step S806). The session attributes that can be received by the called party are shown in SDP. This 200 OK presents the reception condition (codec, port number, etc.) and transmission condition of the called party.

  Next, the calling side transmits ACK to the called side (step S808), and attributes that can be used for communication are negotiated.

  In the present embodiment, this is defined as a connection phase for convenience.

  Next, transfer of media (sound, image, video, etc.) is started (step S810). For example, voice and image communication using RTP packets is performed.

  In the present embodiment, the data transfer period is defined as a data transmission / reception phase for the sake of convenience.

  When terminating the communication, the side that stops the communication transmits a BYE signal to request the termination of the communication, and the side that has received it transmits a 200 OK signal as a response to terminate the communication.

  For example, when communication is terminated from the called side, the called side transmits a BYE signal (step S812). The calling side transmits a 200 OK signal in response to the BYE signal (step S814).

  In this embodiment, this phase is defined as a cutting phase for convenience.

  Next, a map information acquisition system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

Map information acquiring system according to the present embodiment, the center station 400 which is connected via a communication network 600, base station 300, for example, the base station 300 ₁ and 300 _2, DB 500 for example DB 500 ₁ and 500 connected to the center station 400 comprising a _2, a communication device 100 for example, the communication device 100 ₁ and 100 ₂ can communicate with the base station 300 by radio. For example, the communication device 100 ₁ can wirelessly communicate with the base station 300 ₁ , and the communication device 100 ₂ can wirelessly communicate with the base station 300 ₂ .

  GPS (Global Positioning System) generally receives radio waves containing various information from multiple artificial satellites (GPS satellites), and the earth such as latitude and longitude that you are in from the difference in arrival time. It is a system for calculating the upper position information.

  GPS satellites are equipped with a highly accurate rubidium or cesium atomic clock. The GPS determines the position of the GPS receiver by using the time that the signal generated based on this atomic clock reaches the GPS receiver.

  A general map information acquisition system using such GPS will be described.

  Generally, it is normal to use four GPS satellites to determine the position of the GPS receiver, but if the GPS receiver is also equipped with a high-precision clock and used in combination with this, the three GPS satellites are used. The position can be measured with. Further, radio waves from the base station 300 may be used in combination.

  The radio waves transmitted by GPS satellites are spread spectrum, and signals are transmitted using different spreading codes for each GPS satellite.

  A GPS receiver receives a signal transmitted by a GPS satellite and captures the satellite using a different spreading code for each GPS satellite. The GPS receiver performs position measurement based on the arrival time of the signal received from each GPS satellite, and transmits the position information to the center station 400 through the base station 300.

  On the center station 400 side, the database 500 storing the area information is searched based on the position information. The database 500 stores address data, place names, area names, peripheral information, map data, location information where map data is stored, URLs indicating locations where map data is stored, and the like.

  Position information transmitted from the GPS receiver to the center station 400 includes position information (raw position information) that hardly processes information received from GPS satellites, and position information (final position) calculated by the GPS receiver to some extent. Information) and position information in the middle (intermediate position information).

  There are various types of position information, but area information itself may be used.

  It is less burdensome if the GPS receiver does not process location information. In addition, since the GPS device's GPS signal is not processed by the communication apparatus 100 but can be processed by the network side to acquire position information, the scale of the signal processing unit that performs signal processing can be reduced. In addition, a CPU with a small processing capability can be used.

  However, with recent advances in CPUs and peripheral LSIs, position calculation processing can be performed on the GPS receiver side.

  Further, if the GPS receiver side performs all the position calculations as in this embodiment and the GPS receiver side has a function corresponding to the database on the center station 400 side described above, the map only on the GPS receiver side. An information acquisition system can be configured. In this case, since it is not necessary to download the map data from the center station 400 every time, the communication charge can be reduced. In addition, it goes without saying that the function sharing of what functions the GPS receiver has can be changed as appropriate.

  In addition, the base station 300 can be measured as a GPS satellite so that the position can be confirmed even indoors where the GPS satellite cannot be captured.

  A communication apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  The communication apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is configured by, for example, a mobile phone and includes a GPS receiver as a GPS unit (hereinafter simply referred to as a communication apparatus, but when it is necessary to distinguish it from other communication apparatuses, the own communication apparatus) Called). Communication device 100 calculates position information based on radio waves received from GPS satellites, and checks whether map data including the position indicated by the position information is stored in the communication device. At this time, the storage device normally set as the storage device in which the map data is stored (default setting) is checked first, and if there is no corresponding map data, it is connected to the communication device. Check other storage devices. Examples of the storage device include a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, a CD, and a DVD built in the communication device, and an IC card memory, a hard disk, a CD, and a DVD that are connected to the outside of the communication device.

  If map data is stored in a storage device connected to the communication device 100, the map data is displayed on the display unit of the communication device 100. On the other hand, if not stored in the communication device, the communication device 100 transmits the location information to the center station 400, downloads the map data in the database 500 connected to the center station 400 to the communication device 100, The map data is displayed on the display unit. If there is no map data in the database 500, the center station 400 searches another database, and if there is still no map data, the center station 400 notifies the communication apparatus 100 to that effect. When communication apparatus 100 receives the notification, communication apparatus 100 notifies the message to that effect.

  The downloaded map data may be deleted, or stored in the communication device and reused next time. Even when map data is stored in the communication device, if the map data is old, new map data may be downloaded from the database 500 of the center station 400.

  With this configuration, the position information can be quickly obtained because the position information can be calculated by processing the GPS signal of the GPS satellite by the communication device.

  The communication apparatus 100 includes a storage unit 152 as a map information storage unit, a map data inspection unit 160 as a position information acquisition unit and a map information inspection unit, a map data conversion unit 162, a map data display unit 164, and map information. Position information transmission means 166 as an acquisition means. The storage unit 152 includes an information management table 154, and the information management table 154 includes position area information 156 and map data 158. The storage unit 152, the map data inspection unit 160, the map data conversion unit 162, the map data display unit 164, and the position information transmission unit 166 are connected via, for example, a bus and can transmit and receive data.

  The map data inspection means inspects whether the map data including the position indicated by the position information is stored in the storage means 152 (semiconductor memory, IC card, hard disk, etc.) in the communication device. The map information includes map data and metadata such as a file name of the map data.

  Here, in this embodiment, a case will be described in which the position information is composed of latitude information and longitude information.

  Now, let the acquired position information be latitude 5 and longitude 5 (in Shinjuku 1-chome).

  FIG. 11 shows the relationship between map data and position information. For example, the map data of Tokyo is composed of 10 × 10 = 100 area information map data, and one area information map data of the area information map data, for example, Shinjuku is further 10 × 10 = 100 portions. Consists of map data.

  (0, 1000) (region information) means that latitude information is 0 and longitude information is 1000. The area can be represented by a plurality of pieces of position information (in this case, latitude information and longitude information). For example, when the area is a rectangle, the area can be represented by position information of four vertices.

  When the area is a square, it can be represented by position information of two vertices. Further, when the distance information of one side is determined in advance, the area can be represented by the position information of one vertex. FIG. 11 shows map data of Tokyo and its area. If the area at the bottom left (0, 0, 100, 100) is Shinjuku, for example, the map data of Shinjuku and its area are as shown below. The map data can be enlarged and displayed. The black part in the figure indicates that there is no map data. Therefore, after acquiring location information, if you want to display a wide area, display the map data for the entire Tokyo area (level 1), and if you want to display an area larger than that, map data for the entire Shinjuku area (level When displaying 2) and displaying an area further enlarged, map data obtained by dividing Shinjuku (for example, Shinjuku 1-chome) (level 3) may be displayed.

  An example of the information management table 154 composed of position area information and the corresponding map data file name will be described with reference to FIG.

  The map data inspection means 160 inspects whether or not the position information including the position information is included in the information management table for the position information calculated and calculated based on the radio wave received from the GPS satellite. If the corresponding location area information is in the information management table, the map data file name corresponding to the location area information is output.

  For example, in the file name: Shinjuku 20050620 (0, 0, 100, 100), 0 and 0 are the latitude and longitude information of the lower left vertex of the square, and 100 and 100 are the latitudes of the upper right vertex, respectively. , Longitude information.

  In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which the acquired position information is latitude 5 and longitude 5 and map data is displayed with a level 1 area.

  First of all, the information management table of the entire file name: Japan 20050620 (level 1 map data (47 prefectures such as Tokyo, Kanagawa, Hokkaido, etc.)), whether there is any corresponding to latitude 5 and longitude 5 inspect. Here, in the information management table of the entire file name: Japan 20050620, the number is 1, the file name: Tokyo 20050620, the area: (0, 0, 1000, 1000), the date: 2005.06.20, the old and new: new. , Memory area: 000000 is stored, and file number: Kanagawa prefecture 20050501, area: (1000, 0, 2000, 1000), date: 2005.01.01, old and new: old, memory area: 000100 is stored as number 2. Is done.

  In this case, since latitude 5 and longitude 5 correspond to position information in Tokyo, the map data inspection means 160 outputs the file name of the map data (Tokyo 20050620) if there is map data of Tokyo. The same applies when levels 2 and 3 are specified. Similarly, in the case of an enlarged or reduced display in which level 2 or level 3 is displayed after level 1 is displayed, map data is searched by searching for a file.

  Here, in the information management table of area: level 2, overall file name: Tokyo 20050620, area information: (0, 0, 1000, 1000), number 1-1, file name: Shinjuku 20050620, area : (0, 0, 100, 100), date: 2005.06.20, new and old: new, memory area: 001000, number 1-2, file name: Yoyogi 20055101, area: (100, 0, 200, 100), date: 2005.01.01, old and new: old, and memory area: 00100. In the information management table of area: level 3, overall file name: Shinjuku 20050620, the area information: (0, 0, 100, 100) is number 1-1-1, and the file name: Shinjuku 1-chome 20050620 , Area: (0,0,10,10), date: 2005.06.20, old and new: new, memory area: 010000 is stored, number 1-1-2, file name: Shinjuku 2-chome 20050501, area : (10, 0, 20, 10), date: 2005.05.01, old and new: old, memory area: 010100 are stored.

  With this configuration, it can be determined whether or not the map information corresponding to the position information is stored in the storage unit 152 of the communication device 100.

  Further, when the map data is vector data, it can be dealt with by enlarging or reducing the map data itself. The number in the number column represents link information between files. The date in the information management table and the date attached to the file name represent the update date and time of the map data. The old and new column is information indicating whether the map data is latest or old. The information in the memory area column indicates the location (memory address or the like) where map data corresponding to the file name is stored. In addition, a medium name (internal memory, internal HD, internal CD, external memory, etc.) in which map data is stored may be stored.

  By comprising in this way, it can be judged whether update of map data is required.

  The map data conversion unit 162 stores map data (stored in a format such as compressed data such as JPEG and JBIG and vector data) corresponding to the output file name from the information management table 154 stored in the storage unit 152. Read and convert to a data format suitable for the display device (for example, bitmap data) and output.

  The map data display means 164 expands the bitmap data in the video memory for display, reads out the map data stored in the video memory on the display device, and displays it on the display device. On the other hand, if the position area information is not in the information management table, a signal indicating that it is not stored is output.

  When the position information transmitting unit 166 receives a signal indicating that map data is not stored, the position information transmitting unit 166 transmits the position information to the center station 400 via the base station 300. At this time, before transmitting to the center station 400, in order to notify the user whether or not the map data can be downloaded from the network, information on that fact is displayed on the display device and there is an affirmative input. The operation of downloading from the network may be continued. With this configuration, map information can be acquired even when map information corresponding to position information is not stored in the storage unit 152 of the communication device 100.

  The center station 400 searches the map data database 500 for map data including the area indicated by the received position information, and transmits the corresponding map data to the communication device 100. At this time, the center station 400 transmits map data in a data format (data format, compression method) that the communication apparatus 100 can handle. The center station 400 obtains information in a data format that can be handled by the communication apparatus 100 in the initial negotiation of communication.

  The map data conversion means 162 of the communication device 100 converts the received map data into bitmap data and outputs it. The map data display means 164 expands the bitmap data in the video memory for display, and reads and displays the map data stored in the video memory on the display device. By comprising in this way, the map information corresponding to a positional information can be displayed and a user can be notified visually of a position.

  The downloaded map data may be deleted after being used, or stored in the storage means 152 so that it can be used next time. At this time, the information management table 154 is updated by adding a new map data file.

  Next, even if the corresponding position area information is in the information management table, if the map data corresponding to the position area information is old, a signal indicating that is output. After that, the same operation as when no map data is stored is performed. When the downloaded new map data is stored in the storage means, the old map data is deleted. The information management table 154 is also updated with new and old information and changed information.

  Moreover, you may make it provide the map data old and new judgment means which judges whether the map data (map information) memorize | stored in the communication apparatus 100 are old. By configuring in this way, it can be determined whether or not the map information is old, so it can be determined whether or not the map data needs to be updated.

  For example, the map data new / old determining means determines whether the map data is old or not by the following method.

  As a first method, the determination is made based on time stamp information (information indicating the latest date and time when the file is updated) added to the map data file. Specifically, the time stamp information added to the map data is compared with the date and time information to be used, and if there is a predetermined time difference, it is determined that the data is old.

  As a second method, there is a method of adding information (old / old information, version information, etc.) indicating new / old for each map data file. This new / old information is obtained when a predetermined event occurs, such as when the communication device 100 makes an inquiry to the center station 400 regularly or irregularly, or when the map data is updated from the center station 400 regularly. For example, it is obtained by receiving a notification of data change. The communication device 100 updates the new and old information of the map data file based on this notification. Further, when the latest or new map data is downloaded, the downloaded map data may be replaced with old map data.

  Next, multiple map data files are gathered together to create a certain area (for example, a relatively large area such as Tokyo and Kanagawa Prefecture, a medium area such as a city or ward, In such a small area). For example, when only the map data of Tokyo is stored in the storage unit 152 of the communication device 100, when the communication device 100 is used in Kanagawa Prefecture and the map data at the position of the communication device 100 is displayed. Since the map data of Kanagawa Prefecture is not stored in the storage unit 152 of the communication device 100, it is necessary to download the map data from the network.

  In this case, the map data of all areas in Kanagawa Prefecture, the map data of the area of the city, or only the map data of the town may be downloaded. In this case, a selection unit that allows the user to select which data is to be downloaded may be provided. For example, the selection means displays a message on the display device to let the user select which data to download. Alternatively, selection may be made in units of files, not in units of regions.

  Whether only the data stored in the storage unit 152 in the communication device is used as the map data of the map information to be acquired in the communication device 100 (memory mode) or only the map data of the center station 400 is used. The mode may be set by providing mode setting means for setting whether to use (download mode) or to use both in combination as described above (hybrid mode).

  The communication device 100 may include map data history means for storing the history of the displayed map data in the storage means 152 and displaying the history. The history includes history information such as displayed date and time, file name, position information, information indicating whether the data is in the communication device or downloaded data. Further, the map data history means may display each map data as a thumbnail together with the history information or independently. In this case, when a history or thumbnail image is selected, the map data history means reads map data corresponding to the history from the storage means and displays the map data.

  Further, the communication apparatus 100 may be provided with position information log means for periodically acquiring position information, storing the result in the storage means 152, and displaying the result. In this case, a position information acquisition condition such as an interval for acquiring position information or a date and time can be arbitrarily set. Alternatively, the operation for periodically acquiring the position information may be started by the start operation, and the operation for periodically acquiring the position information may be ended by the end operation. Further, when a certain condition is satisfied, the position information acquisition condition may be changed. For example, the position information acquisition condition is changed when the acquired position information enters or exits a preset area. Specifically, when the position information acquisition interval is set to one hour, when the acquired position information enters a predetermined area, the position information acquisition interval may be changed to 10 minutes.

  Further, when the log information is displayed by the position information log means, an animation means for displaying map data and sequentially displaying the position of the communication device based on the position information on the map data may be provided.

  Next, the operation of the communication apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  The GPS receiver provided in the communication device 100 receives radio waves from GPS satellites (step S1302). The map data inspection unit 160 calculates position information based on the radio wave received from the GPS satellite (step S1304). Further, the communication device 100 checks whether map data including the position indicated by the position information is stored in the communication device (step S1306). At this time, the storage device normally set as the storage device in which the map data is stored (default setting) is checked first, and if there is no corresponding map data, it is connected to the communication device. Check other storage devices. For example, the map information inspection unit 160 inspects the information management table 152 stored in the storage unit 152.

  If stored in the storage device connected to the communication device 100 (step S1306: YES), the map data is displayed on the display unit of the communication device 100 (step S1308).

  On the other hand, if it is not stored in the communication device (step S1306: NO), position information is transmitted to the center station 400 (step S1310), and it is determined whether or not there is map data in the database 500 of the center station 400 (step S1310). Step S1312).

  When there is map data in the database 500 of the center station 400 (step S1312: YES), the map data in the database 500 of the center station 400 is downloaded to the communication device 100, and the map data is displayed on the display unit (step). S1314).

  If there is no map data in the database 500 (step S1312: NO), the center station 400 searches another database, and if there is still no map data, notifies the communication device 100 to that effect, and the communication device 100. When the notification is received, a message to that effect is notified (step S1316).

  The downloaded map data may be deleted, or stored in the communication device and reused next time. Even when map data is stored in the communication device, if the map data is old, new map data may be downloaded from the database of the center station 400.

  Next, details of the operation of the communication apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  The map data inspection unit 160 calculates position information by performing calculation processing based on radio waves received from GPS satellites, and checks whether the position area information including the position information is in the information management table 154. (Step S1402).

  If the corresponding position area information is in the information management table 154 (step S1402: YES), the map data inspection unit 160 outputs the file name of the map data corresponding to the position area information (step S1404).

  Next, the map data conversion unit 162 reads out map data (stored in a format such as compressed data such as JPEG and JBIG, vector data, etc.) corresponding to the output file name from the storage unit 152 (step 1406). Then, the data is converted into a data format suitable for the display device (for example, bitmap data) and output (step 1408).

  Next, the map data display means 164 expands the bitmap data in the video memory for display, reads out the map data stored in the video memory on the display device, and displays it on the display device (step 1410).

  On the other hand, when the position area information is not in the information management table 154 (step S1402: NO), the map data inspection unit 160 outputs a signal indicating that the position area information is not stored.

  Next, when receiving the signal indicating that the map data is not stored, the position information transmitting unit 166 transmits the position information to the center station 400 via the base station 300 (step S1412). In this case, before transmitting to the center station 400, in order to notify the user of "whether or not map data can be downloaded from the network", information to that effect is displayed on the display device and there is an affirmative input. The operation of downloading from the network may be continued.

  The center station 400 searches the map data database 500 for map data including the area indicated by the received position information, and transmits the corresponding map data to the communication device 100. In this case, the center station 400 transmits map data in a data format (data format, compression method) that the communication apparatus 100 can handle. The center station 400 obtains information in a data format that can be handled by the communication apparatus 100 in the initial negotiation of communication.

  The communication device 100 receives the map data from the center station 400 (step S1414). The map data conversion means 162 converts the received map data into bitmap data and outputs it (step S1416).

  The map data display means 164 expands the bitmap data in the video memory for display, reads out the map data stored in the video memory on the display device, and displays it on the display device. (Step S1418).

  In step S1406, when the map data corresponding to the file name is read, it may be determined whether the read map data is new or old. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, in step S1406, the map data new / old determination means determines whether or not the difference between the time stamp information of the map data corresponding to the file name and the use date / time is within a predetermined time difference. Judgment is made (step S1502).

  If it is determined that the difference is within the predetermined time difference (step S1502: YES), the map data old / new determination unit determines that the data is new (step S1504), and the process of step S1408 is performed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the difference is not within the predetermined time difference (step S1502: NO), the map data new / old determination means determines that the data is old (step S1506), and the process of step S1412 is performed.

  Further, instead of the time stamp information of the map data, information (new / old information, version information, etc.) indicating new and old may be added to each map data file. This new / old information is used when a predetermined event occurs, such as when the communication device 100 makes an inquiry to the center station 400 regularly or irregularly, or when the map data is updated regularly or from the center station. Or by receiving notification of data changes. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, when the communication apparatus 100 receives a data change notification (step S1602), the map data new / old determination means updates the new / old information of the map data file (step S1604).

  A processing flow when a plurality of map data files are collected and correspond to one certain area will be described with reference to FIG.

  In order to select the information indicating the area of the map data to be downloaded, the selection means displays information to that effect on the display device (step S1702). For example, if you download only map data for all areas in Kanagawa Prefecture, map data for that city area, or only map data for that town, let the user choose which data to download. A message to that effect may be displayed on the display device. Alternatively, selection may be made in units of files, not in units of regions.

  Next, the selection unit determines whether or not information indicating an area of map data to be downloaded has been input (step S1704).

  When information indicating the area of the map data to be downloaded is input (step S1704: YES), the map data of the input area is downloaded (step S1706).

  On the other hand, when the information indicating the area of the map data to be downloaded is not input (step S1704: NO), the process returns to step S1704.

  Next, whether to use only the data stored in the storage means 152 in the communication device as the position confirmation map data (memory mode), or to use only the map data of the center station (download mode), or A processing flow for setting whether to use both of them (hybrid mode) will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the mode setting means determines whether or not information indicating a mode has been input (step S1802).

  When information indicating the mode is input (step S1802: YES), the mode setting unit sets the input mode (step S1804).

  On the other hand, when the information indicating the mode is not input (step S1802: NO), the process returns to step S1802.

  Next, processing in the map data history means for storing the history of the displayed map data in the storage means 152 and displaying the history will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the map data history means stores the displayed map data in the storage means 152 (step S1902).

  Next, the map data history means determines whether or not a history or thumbnail image has been selected (step S1904).

  If a history or thumbnail image is selected (step S1904: YES), the map data history means displays the corresponding map data (step S1906).

  On the other hand, if no history or thumbnail image is selected (step S1904: NO), the process returns to step S1904.

  Next, a processing flow in the position information log unit that periodically acquires the position information, stores the result in the storage unit 152, and displays the result will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the position information log means determines whether or not a position information acquisition condition for acquiring position information has been input (step S2002).

  When the position information acquisition condition for acquiring the position information is input (step S2002: YES), the position information log unit stores the position information according to the input position information acquisition condition (step S2004).

  On the other hand, when the position information acquisition condition for acquiring the position information is not input (step S2002: NO), the position information log unit stores the position information at a predetermined interval (step S2006).

  In the above-described embodiment, a communication device including GPS receiving means (GPS receiver) is described to acquire position information. However, GPS means is not always necessary. For example, when calculating location information by receiving radio waves from multiple base stations, the location information itself can be used, for example, as device input means (operation input, infrared I / F, Bluetooth, other I / F, etc.) or network side You may get from. By configuring in this way, map data is stored in the storage means of the communication device 100, so as long as the map data is used, it is not necessary to download the map data from the network side, thus saving communication costs. can do. Moreover, the time for acquiring map data can be shortened.

  The software for controlling the operation for handling the position information described above may be firmware created in a dedicated language. However, if versatility is important, it is better to create it in JAVA (registered trademark) language. (GPS app). The GPS application can be downloaded from the network and installed. Further, when the version of the GPS application becomes old, it can be updated by downloading a data file used by the GPS application main body or the GPS application from the network.

  To express the above-described embodiment of the invention more generally, “if the data related to the acquired information is in the communication device, the data is used, but if there is no related data, it is related from the server device on the network. Is received. "

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, in addition to the embodiment in which map data is displayed from position information, music information (music data, music data) is searched from search information such as song names and artist names, and video names and artist names are searched. The present invention can be applied to other embodiments in which video information is obtained from information and information relating to a retrieval name is obtained from an arbitrary retrieval name. Information for searching is input by input means such as a key operation of the apparatus. For example, when playing a certain piece of music data, the name of the music is input. If the music data of the input music title is stored in the storage means of the communication device, the data is reproduced (played). On the other hand, when there is no music data, the user accesses the network, downloads the corresponding music data from the music data server device, and plays it. Thus, it can be applied to the reproduction of music data in the same manner as the operation described in the map data display. Similarly, it can be applied to video data and general search databases.

  FIG. 21 shows a table of data types, data input means types, output data types, and output data execution methods.

  The above-described embodiment can also be applied to the case where the input image data itself is searched. An example of this case will be described.

  The image data acquired by the imaging means (which may be an external imaging means connected to the apparatus) incorporated in the apparatus is stored in the storage means. Next, the image data stored in the storage means is searched for an image that matches the search image data created based on the stored image data (original data). As the search image data, the original data itself, data obtained by cutting out a region with the original data, or data representing the characteristics of the original data (feature point data) can be used. In addition, if a list of information related to the data to be searched (bibliographic data, metadata, etc.) is collected in advance (updated periodically) and the contents of this list are checked during the search The search time can be shortened. As a search result, image data, metadata of the image data, bibliographic data, and the like are output.

  Further, since products such as home appliances have recently been connected to the network, if search data does not exist in the memory of the device, for example, home appliances connected to a local area network (LAN) If a product storage device is searched and no data is found there, a network (for example, the Internet) connected to the LAN may be searched.

  One issue that lacks convenience is that the location information of your mobile phone cannot be easily or easily sent to the partner device, and the location of your mobile phone cannot be displayed on the partner device. There is.

  As an embodiment for solving the problem, the present invention includes a GPS unit, a communication partner identification unit, and a communication unit. When communicating with a predetermined communication partner, the communication device is acquired by the GPS unit. The position information is transmitted to the communication partner apparatus.

  Specifically, location information data is included in the call setup signal (SETUP) and transmitted to the communication partner apparatus. The position information data may be sent on the mail. Of course, the communication partner identification means is not essential and may be transmitted to all the other parties.

  Based on the received position information, the communication partner apparatus displays the map information and a mark indicating the position of the partner communication apparatus at a predetermined position of the map information. If the counterpart device also has a GPS function, it is possible to display its own location information together with the location information of the counterpart device that has transmitted the location information. In this case, it is preferable to display a mark that can distinguish the opponent from the other person.

  Specifically, marks such as letters, numbers, alphabets, pictograms, pictures, figures, and figures can be considered. The map data is stored in advance in the memory means of the communication partner device. Further, the map data may be downloaded from another device (for example, a base station or a server device) when necessary. Further, the communication device may transmit the map data together with the position information. In addition, by exchanging position information with each other between the communication devices, the positions of the partner devices can be displayed on the display unit of their own devices. If both devices are equipped with a GPS function, the positions of the partner device and one's own device can be displayed on the display unit of one's own device. This is the same not only between two people but also between many people.

  In addition, the above-described operation may be performed by transmitting / receiving a control protocol carrying position information while making a call or communicating, or the communication terminal apparatus does not make a call or communicate with each other, and only the control protocol (control information) is used for position information. May be provided with GPS communication means that is a communication mode dedicated to GPS that sequentially transmits and receives.

  As a specific example of the communication partner determining means for determining whether or not a predetermined communication partner to which position information is to be sent, it is conceivable to use a telephone directory means for storing the telephone number of the partner. The telephone number for transmitting the position information is registered in the telephone book means. Specifically, a storage area corresponding to the telephone number stored in the phone book, that is, a location information transmission bit is prepared, and the location information transmission bit is activated for a telephone number registered as a telephone number to which the location information is transmitted. Keep it.

  When a telephone number having an active location information transmission bit is selected from the telephone directory means or when a telephone number is directly entered using the numeric keypad, the telephone number is registered in the telephone directory means and the location When the telephone number checker that checks whether the information transmission bit is active determines that the input telephone number is registered in the telephone book and that the location information transmission bit is active First, the position information acquired by the GPS means is inserted into a communication protocol (for example, a call setup signal (SETUP)) and transmitted to the partner apparatus. Alternatively, the position information may be sent on mail.

  In addition to the telephone number, the partner identification information may be a mail address, IP address, URI, or the like. The position information is inserted into each protocol and transferred to the partner apparatus. Regardless of the communication partner determination means, a position information transmission setting means for setting whether or not to transmit position information for all communications may be provided.

  In the case of a so-called emergency call represented by No. 110 or No. 119, the position information may be transmitted even if the position information is set to be transmitted by the position information transmission setting means. . Whether or not the outgoing call is an emergency call is determined by comparing whether or not the telephone number input to the communication device by the input means is a predetermined telephone number. Alternatively, when an emergency telephone number is input, a message as to whether or not to transmit location information may be displayed on the display device. In this case, if there is a positive input, the position information is transmitted. Or if there is an emergency phone number input and a call instruction input (so-called green phone button or equivalent input), a message asking whether or not to send location information is displayed, and there is a positive input for that. And position information may be transmitted.

  Further, the position information may be inserted into the control protocol and transmitted by pressing a predetermined button during a call. In that case, the position information may be transmitted when a predetermined button is pressed only when an emergency telephone number is connected.

  As another embodiment, the address information of the destination is input to the own communication terminal device, and the position information is transmitted to the base station by the position information transmitting means. The base station analyzes the received position information by the map information selection means, selects map information of a predetermined area corresponding to the position information, and returns it to the communication terminal apparatus that has sent the position information. The communication terminal device that has received the map information displays the map information on its own communication terminal device or an externally connected display means, and the destination mark means displays a mark indicating the location of the destination in the map information. Is displayed at the position of. Further, the position information of the own communication terminal apparatus is acquired by the GPS means, and the own communication terminal apparatus mark means displays a mark indicating the position of the own communication terminal apparatus at a predetermined position of the map information.

  The address information may be position information (latitude, longitude) itself. Further, when the location information is a normally used address (XX prefecture xx city), the communication terminal device or the base station may be provided with location information conversion means for converting the address data into location information. Further, the address information may be converted into position information by designating an arbitrary location of the map information by an input means of the communication terminal device. Further, the address information and the position information need not be limited to those already described, and other known techniques can be applied.

  The location information transmission means includes mail means, server connection means, FTP means, HTTP means, and the like. As mail means, there are so-called E-Mail using SMTP and POP3, and mail means adopting a unique protocol. The location information is sent in the body of the email or in the Subject column. Server connection means means to connect to server devices such as so-called NTT Docomo's i-mode, KDDI's Ezweb and the Internet, and exchange data between server devices and communication terminal devices. Send. The FTP means and HTTP means transmit the position information in the data area of the protocol or as the data itself.

  The map information selection means selects map information including a location indicated by the position information from a storage means that stores map information in advance. As a specific means for this selection, a currently known technique can be applied.

  The destination mark means searches the position information of the map information that matches or approximates the target position information, and displays the predetermined mark indicating the position of the map information corresponding to the corresponding position information on the map data displayed on the display means. It is what is displayed above.

  The own communication terminal device mark means searches the position information of the map information that matches or approximates the position information of the own communication terminal device, and displays a predetermined mark indicating the position of the map information corresponding to the corresponding position information on the display means. It is displayed on the displayed map data.

  As another embodiment, the location information of the communication device (communication terminal device) and the information (identification information, name, identification number, address information, area information, etc.) of the object whose location is desired are transmitted to the base station or server device. Based on the information, the server device may transmit map data and one or more map position data corresponding to the object whose position is desired to be transmitted to the communication terminal device.

  For example, when searching for a bank in a place where there is a communication device, the location information of the communication device acquired by the GPS means and identification information indicating the bank (for example, “bank” “super” “city bus” “convenience store” “toilet” "Station", "taxi", etc.) are transmitted to the base station or server device.

  The server device selects the map data including the received location information from the storage means of the server device, and further searches the database device for all the location information registered as “bank” and included in the map data area. Then, the position information of the object and the map data are transmitted to the communication terminal device.

  The communication terminal device displays the received map data, and displays a mark on the map based on the received bank location information. Or a server means may transmit the map data which displayed the mark which shows a position instead of transmitting the positional information on a target object. The object and its position information are stored in advance in the database means of the server device. For example, the GPS means is installed on the object, and the position information acquired by the GPS means is periodically stored using the network. The server device may update the database with the information.

  In this way, when searching for an object, it is possible to search for the nearest place from where you are.

  As another example, when the communication terminal device including the GPS unit and the position information transmitting unit receives predetermined command information, the position information transmitting unit converts the position information acquired by the GPS unit into the command information. Can be sent back to the communication device that has transmitted.

  Means for receiving predetermined command information includes telephone means, mail means, FTP means, HTTP means, and the like. In the telephone means, a telephone is used as the partner communication apparatus, and when the telephone makes a call to the apparatus, the apparatus receives the call and sets the communication path. In this case, command information including a predetermined DTMF signal is transmitted from the telephone, and the apparatus performs subsequent operations by detecting the DTMF signal.

  Further, the mail means receives the mail body or subject including data corresponding to the command information. The FTP means and HTTP means receive the protocol or data containing predetermined command information or the command information as data itself. Also, other known techniques can be applied instead of the telephone means, mail means, FTP means, and HTTP means.

  One embodiment will be described below.

  First, an e-mail with GPS data or position information is transmitted from the own apparatus to the partner apparatus. The partner apparatus that has received the mail acquires its own position information by the GPS means, and compares the received position information with its own position information. If it is determined that the position information is within a predetermined range (or within a predetermined distance), the partner apparatus adds a message to that effect and the acquired own position information to the mail and transmits it to the own apparatus. To do. When the own apparatus compares the received position information of the partner apparatus with its own position information and determines that it is within a predetermined range (or within a predetermined distance), it displays a message to that effect. If necessary, the message is transmitted to the partner apparatus.

  As another example, the communication terminal device including the GPS unit may transmit the position information acquired by the GPS unit to the predetermined communication device by the position information transmission unit based on a predetermined condition. . Or the communication terminal device provided with the positional information log means which memorize | stores the positional information acquired by the GPS means in a memory | storage means based on predetermined conditions is also considered.

  Predetermined conditions include when IC tag means provided in a communication terminal device is used, when a predetermined time interval is reached, when a predetermined time is reached, when predetermined command information is received, acceleration When the sensor output reaches a predetermined value, when the radio wave intensity from the base station changes (or when the base station notifies that the radio wave intensity from the device has changed) A combination of predetermined conditions such as a case where the radio wave has arrived (cannot be received) and has arrived (can be received) can be considered.

  Another predetermined condition is the output of the position area determination means. The position area determination means determines whether the position information periodically acquired by the GPS means has entered or exited a predetermined area of the preset position information. At this time, if it can be detected that a predetermined area has been entered or exited, position information is transmitted according to the detection result. As the data format of the predetermined area, an area having a predetermined radius centered on the position information, a square or rectangular area having a predetermined size centered on the position information, and the like are conceivable. It is determined whether or not the position information acquired by the GPS means is included in the range information (range information) expressed in this way. The output of the position area determination means, that is, information indicating the inside or outside of the area is used as the predetermined condition.

  The position information log means acquires position information using the GPS means every time a predetermined condition is satisfied, and stores it in the storage means. The stored logs can be collectively transmitted to other communication devices. It can also be displayed on the display device of the communication device.

  As another embodiment, a position information log means and a radio clock means described later are provided, and the position information log means can store the position information acquired by the GPS means and the time information acquired by the radio clock means in the storage means. Thereby, an accurate time can be recorded.

  Another issue that lacks the convenience of GPS means is that it is necessary to input address information to the communication terminal device in order to display the target location on the map of the communication terminal device. In addition, there is a problem that input mistakes can occur.

  An embodiment (FIG. 22) for solving the problem will be described.

  First, position information data in which position information used by the GPS means is converted into barcode data is prepared. This can be obtained by using a device equipped with GPS means. This position information data is described (printed) together with, for example, a photo of the place, an introduction article, and an address in a magazine or the like. The user reads the position information data printed on the magazine by the camera means of the camera-equipped mobile phone, which is a communication device, and stores it in the storage means. The read position information data (barcode data) is converted by the GPS position information conversion means into position information data that can be used by the GPS means.

  The converted location information data is transmitted to the map data server device by the data communication means of the mobile phone, and the server device transmits the optimum map data to the mobile phone based on the received location information data. The mobile phone that has received the map data displays a mark indicating the location of the destination and the map data on the display screen.

  Further, instead of downloading the map data from the server device, the map data may be stored in advance in the memory means of the communication device, and the map data may be read from the memory means and displayed based on the acquired position information data. .

  The barcode data includes one-dimensional barcode data, two-dimensional barcode data, QR code data, and the like. In addition to barcode data, GPS position information data may be stored in an IC tag, and the position information data may be acquired by IC tag reader means built in communication. In addition to location information data, name, phone number, address, mail address, URI, etc. are converted into barcode data, the barcode data is read by the camera means, and the read barcode data is converted into text data. Then, it may be stored in the storage means or the electronic phone book means.

  Up to now, mobile phones and IP phones have been cited as examples, but other communication terminal devices include IC cards, IC tag reader devices, mobile radios, IP phones using wireless LAN, IP communication terminal devices, and general subscribers. There are communication terminal devices having communication functions such as telephones, computers with communication functions, IP videophones, watches, PHS, PDAs, and the like, which can be implemented using communication protocols that can be used by each communication terminal device. Since the configuration of each communication terminal apparatus is known, the block diagram is not shown, but the means according to the features of the present invention is provided in the same manner as in the above embodiment.

  In addition, “˜means” which is described in the text and not particularly shown in the block diagram is configured with dedicated hardware, or configured with CPU, ROM, RAM and some hardware. is there.

  In addition, the embodiments and the respective configurations so far can be appropriately combined as long as they have the features of the present invention, and other embodiments and configurations not directly mentioned in one embodiment are also applicable. Since many inventions are described in this specification, it is virtually impossible to describe all the combinations and the effects thereof, but those skilled in the art will not be able to determine the specific implementation and effects of the combinations. It should be understood that what can be assumed can be considered as described herein.

  In the present invention, when there are a plurality of elements (configurations), the number of elements is not limited to the number of elements described in this embodiment.

  Further, the invention described in the embodiments may be created in a program language that does not depend on the CPU or OS, such as JAVA (registered trademark).

It is a block diagram which shows the communication apparatus concerning one Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the communication apparatus concerning one Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the communication apparatus concerning one Example of this invention. It is a protocol sequence diagram of outgoing connection and disconnection sequence in the communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a protocol sequence diagram of an incoming connection and disconnection sequence in the communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a Pull type sequence diagram in the data communication in the communication apparatus concerning one Example of this invention. It is a Push type | mold sequence diagram in the data communication in the communication apparatus concerning one Example of this invention. It is a communication sequence diagram of SIP in the communication apparatus concerning one Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the position confirmation system concerning one Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the communication apparatus concerning one Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between map data and an area | region. It is explanatory drawing which shows an information management table. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the communication apparatus concerning one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the communication apparatus concerning one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the communication apparatus concerning one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the communication apparatus concerning one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the communication apparatus concerning one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the communication apparatus concerning one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the communication apparatus concerning one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the communication apparatus concerning one Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the data type, the type of data input means, the type of output data, and the execution method of output data. It is explanatory drawing which shows a GPS position information conversion means.

Explanation of symbols

100, 100 ₁ , 100 ₂ Communication device 300, 300 ₁ , 300 ₂ Base station 400 Center station 500, 500 ₁ , 500 ₂ Database (DB)
600 communication network

Claims (13)

Map information storage means for storing map information;
Position information acquisition means for acquiring position information;
Map information inspection means for determining whether or not map information corresponding to the acquired position information is included in the map information;
A communication device comprising: map information acquisition means for acquiring map information corresponding to the acquired position information based on the determination. The communication device according to claim 1,
The map information acquisition means acquires map information corresponding to the acquired position information from the network side when map information corresponding to the acquired position information is not included in the map information. Communication device. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2,
GPS means to receive signals from GPS satellites,
The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the position information acquisition unit acquires position information based on a signal from the GPS satellite. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2,
GPS means to receive signals from GPS satellites,
The position information acquisition means acquires processing information processed on the network side based on a signal from the GPS satellite as position information. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A map information new / old judgment means for judging whether the map information is new or old,
The position information acquisition unit acquires map information corresponding to the position information from the network side according to whether the map information is new or old. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The communication information device, wherein the map information acquisition means transmits the position information to the network side and receives map information corresponding to the position information. The communication device according to claim 6.
A communication apparatus comprising: map data display means for displaying map information corresponding to the map information or position information transmitted to the network side. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
Information management table means for storing information composed of map information and position area information corresponding to the map information,
The map information inspection means stores the map information corresponding to the position information by inspecting whether or not the position area information including the position indicated by the position information is stored among the position area information. A communication device characterized by determining whether or not The communication device according to claim 5, wherein
An information management table means for storing information composed of map information and old and new information of the map information,
The map information new / old determination means determines whether the map information is new or old based on the new / old information. A location information acquisition step for acquiring location information;
A map information inspection step for determining whether or not the map information corresponding to the acquired position information is included in the map information storage means for storing the map information;
And a map information acquisition step of acquiring map information corresponding to the acquired position information based on the determination. The communication method according to claim 10,
The map information acquisition step includes a step of acquiring map information corresponding to the acquired position information from the network side when map information corresponding to the acquired position information is not included in the map information. A characteristic communication method. The communication method according to claim 10 or 11,
A receiving step for receiving a signal from a GPS satellite;
The map information acquiring step includes a step of acquiring position information based on a signal from the GPS satellite. The communication method according to claim 10 or 11,
A receiving step for receiving a signal from a GPS satellite;
The position information acquiring step includes a step of acquiring processing information processed on the network side based on a signal from the GPS satellite as position information.

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